SAN DIEGO -- Just steps from the shoreline, a newly unveiled mural in Pacific Beach is drawing attention not only for its striking visuals, but for the message behind it.
The ocean-themed artwork was revealed Thursday as part of Wildcoast's 25th anniversary, marking decades of wildlife conservation along San Diego's coastline. The mural celebrates the animals that call local waters home, while also spotlighting the growing need to protect fragile ocean ecosystems.
"We're really lucky in San Diego," said Serge Dedina, executive director of Wildcoast and former Imperial Beach mayor. "We're gonna have a great day at the beach and see a pod of bottlenose dolphins and paddle or boat just a little bit offshore and see humpback whales, blue whales and gray whales. Or we can go to La Jolla Cove and swim with sea turtles and leopard sharks. And that's something to celebrate."
Beyond celebration, Dedina said the mural also serves as a reminder that many marine species are facing increasing threats.
"Many of these animals are migratory, and right now, our gray whales, for example, that are poised to come down the coast, they are getting really skinny because they don't have enough food," Dedina said. "So it's really important to protect and celebrate all our wildlife, protect our real locals."
The project was coordinated with help from the nonprofit Beautiful PB, while lead artist Jon Hamrick brought the vision to life. Hamrick also helped choose the mural's location on Garnet Avenue.
"It was a no brainer," Hamrick said. "Being a half a block from the beach and the foot traffic that comes through here, the message up there and the imagery, it made sense."
Hamrick and his partner Victor spent 14 days designing and painting the mural, working long hours, including overnight, to complete it in time for the unveiling.
Wildcoast leaders said the mural reflects a broader mission to protect San Diego's coastal identity for future generations.
"We all got to work together to protect our our core San Diego legacy, and that's our coast and ocean," Dedina said.
The mural is located near the Pacific Beach Pier on Garnet Avenue and is open for the public to view.